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Lake Cowichan
2021-08-30 20:15 PDT
On Saturday August 28, 2021 police supported and facilitated the peaceful, lawful and safe protest actions by approximately 250 people who were permitted up the Granite Mainline road to a gravel pit. Speeches and other activities took place and almost all participants left without any issues. At approximately 11:00 p.m. a group of about 12-15 individuals tried to pushed past a police Access Control Point, although unsuccessful they joined a larger group who trampled through an environmentally sensitive area to pass the ACP and gained access to Granite Mainline. One individual was arrested for obstruction when they attempted to start digging a hole in the road. During the arrest police were obstructed several times. Individuals also swapped out contemnors inside an unsafe trench near a bridge. Officers are continuing to monitor the unstable trench and options are being explored if it continues to be occupied.
On Sunday August 29, 2021 police continued with roving patrols in the injunction area. There were no arrests.
This morning (August 30, 2021) the Division Liaison Team advised individuals that had travelled down a decommissioned forest service road to a closed area off Hemmingsen Mainline that they were not permitted to camp or be in that area, which is included in the BC Supreme Court injunction. Individuals in the area were advised that the gate will be replaced by industry and they have until the morning of Tuesday August 31, 2021 to gather all their belongings, including vehicles, and leave the area.
Police enforcement of the BC Supreme Court injunction order in the Fairy Creek Watershed area continued today, on August 30, 2021, with ongoing efforts to remove obstructions and individuals from locking devices or tripod structures.
Larger image of individual being extracted from a tripod
During the course of the day, a total of 3 individuals were arrested for breaching the injunctions (contempt of court), included two individuals in a tripod-like structure, who were processed and released. Approximately 12 individuals also voluntarily left the area without incident.
A recent review of arrests to date indicates that since enforcement began, the RCMP have arrested 830 individuals; 72 of whom were previously arrested with a combined total of 170 times. Of the total arrested, 641 were for breaching the injunction (contempt of court), 155 were for obstruction, 18 were for mischief, 6 were for breaching their release conditions, 5 were for assaulting a police officer, 2 were for failing to comply with a court order, 1 for counselling to resist arrest, 1 for causing a disturbance, and 1 Immigration Act.
All news releases on the Fairy Creek Watershed police enforcement issued to date can be found on the Lake Cowichan RCMP Detachment website.
Released by:
BC RCMP Communication ServicesTel: 778-290-2929Email: bcrcmp@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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